Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme 2012/13

Overview

Established in 2009 by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC), the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) aims at attracting the best and brightest students from around the world to pursue doctoral studies in Hong Kong.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are those seeking admission as new full-time PhD research candidates in Government-funded institutions in Hong Kong irrespective of their country of origin and ethnic background. Applicants should demonstrate outstanding academic performance, and good research ability and potential.

The Fellowship

The Fellowship provides the awardee with a monthly stipend of HK$20,000 (~USD2,500) and a conference travel allowance of HK$10,000 (~USD1,300) per year for a maximum period of three years. 135 PhD Fellowships will be awarded for the 2012/13 academic year.

Review Panels

Applications, subject to their areas of studies, will be reviewed by two Selection Panels with expertise in the broad areas, one for science, engineering and technology, and another one for humanities, social science and business studies.

Selection Criteria

While academic excellence is a prime consideration, the Review Panels will take into account, but not limited to, the four areas below in the selection of candidates:

(i)
Academic excellence;
(ii)
Research ability and potential;
(iii)
Communication and interpersonal skills, and
(iv)
Leadership abilities and societal responsibility.

Important Dates to Note

Deadline for completing the initial application via RGC System

1 December 2011 (12:00 noon)

Deadline for HKPFS application via HKUST Admissions System

6 December 2011 (23:59pm)

For more details, please visit the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme webpage of RGC

1.	RGC is a non-statutory advisory body, established under the aegis of the University Grants Committee (UGC), responsible for advising the Government on the needs of Hong Kong's higher education institutions in academic research matters and for the distribution of funding for academic research projects.
2.	An academic year in Hong Kong starts in September and ends in August the following year.

Application Requirements

The Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme opens to all students worldwide. Applicants should have:

-	a recognized Bachelor's degree or above;
-	outstanding academic records and excellent research skills;
-	a high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English; and
-	a global outlook and leadership skills.

Each applicant may choose up to two PhD programs in one or two institutions with priority in their applications. Quoting the HKPFS reference number obtained from RGC System, applicants should lodge their applications directly to the institution(s) chosen. In the event that the application is successful, awardees should only be allowed to enroll at the institutions which select them in accordance with the priority indicated.

Applicants for HKUST programs are therefore required to fully comply with the general admission requirements as set out below:

(i)

Normally have obtained a Master's degree from a recognized institution, or presented evidence of satisfactory work at the postgraduate level on a full-time basis for at least one year, or on a part-time basis for at least two years; and

(ii)

Satisfied the school and department concerned as to their chosen subject of research, and their fitness to undertake the research.

(iii)

Applicants whose first language is not English and whose previous degree or equivalent qualification was awarded by an institution where the medium of instruction was not English are required to fulfill the following minimum English language requirements:

-	Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-based test score of no less than 550; or Internet-based test score of no less than 80; OR
-	International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – an overall score of 6.0 with no sub-score lower than 5.5.
-	In addition to the above, individual school and department may stipulate higher English proficiency requirement.

N.B. TOEFL and IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date.

For more details on HKUST admission requirements, please refer to the Academic Records and Registration Office website.

Short-listed applicants will be interviewed as required by individual programs. The University may also admit candidate not selected for the Fellowship Scheme to other postgraduate studentship schemes if the candidates are considered to be qualified.

Deadline for completing the initial application via RGC System:
1 December 2011 (12:00 noon)

Deadline for HKPFS application via HKUST Admissions System:
6 December 2011 (23:59pm)

Apply Now for HKPFS

http://www.ust.hk/hkpfs/how.html

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